Chapter 20 The Struggles of Each

Vivian packed up early and went downstairs, she took the contract and read it again. This was related to the future of her good sister, so she had to be careful.
Seeing Vivian's unwavering seriousness, Evelyn was deeply touched, but she still couldn't help but make fun of her. It was because of Vivian's attire today, which was really ugly.
A black suit and a pair of black patent leather high heels. No matter how elegant she was, she couldn't pull off this outfit. It was really ugly. And the black-framed glasses on her nose, who knows what she was thinking.
"I'm going for a mature and steady look, you wouldn't understand! If you keep laughing at me, go on your own!" Vivian complained, feeling indignant. It was her first real battle, so she was naturally nervous. Instead of appreciating her efforts, she was being ridiculed.
Evelyn suppressed her laughter and nodded, "You win, let's go."
"I'm actually a little scared of being seen with you like this. I'm going to change." Evelyn had no words for Vivian. She could always do something amusing. She was truly peerless when it came to being unique.
"I think that everything in society that benefits the other party is not necessarily a bad thing for oneself. So, this contract is not a bad thing. What's most dangerous is when the other party doesn't seek any rewards but only wants the best for you. It is often in such situations that more is hidden and more needs to be obtained. I wonder if you've encountered such a thing before?"
Vivian said this during the car ride.
"With your talent, it's a pity you studied law."
"With my all-around talent, it's a pity to study anything. Making fun of me won't do you any good. Time will prove everything. Hmph," Vivian laughed as she spoke.
The meeting took place in a Japanese restaurant in a busy area downtown. The environment was elegant and unique. After entering and stating the reservation name, a waiter led them to a private room. They didn't expect Evelyn to bring such a young lawyer. They had already ordered the dishes and were waiting in the room.
As soon as they sat down, the dishes were brought to the table one by one.
The table was filled with exquisite Japanese cuisine. Vivian, being a food lover, couldn't wait any longer, but the two sitting across from her were still staring blankly. Vivian had no choice but to introduce herself:
"Hello, I'm Miss Garcia."
"The proxy lawyer for Miss Bennett said, 'From now on, I will be fully responsible for handling all matters on behalf of your company.'"
"I didn't expect Miss Garcia to become a lawyer at such a young age. May I ask where she works?"
"For now, I am only in charge of being Miss Bennett's legal counsel and broker assistant."
"I am Adrian, the Vice President of Silver Media. This is our lawyer Brian, who is in charge of this contract. I believe both of you have reviewed the contract, and today we will coordinate the details of the agreement for a thorough discussion. I hope we have a pleasant cooperation."
"Okay, let's have a pleasant cooperation."
Seeing Vivian looking downcast, Evelyn had to break the silence and suggested, "Let's eat and chat at the same time."
"Yes," Vivian nodded like a chick pecking at rice. Evelyn regretted it for a moment, wondering why she trusted this unreliable food lover.
Realizing that he had neglected his guests, Adrian quickly said, "It's my fault for only talking and forgetting that we came to eat. Please enjoy your meal."
They had a relatively enjoyable meal, but Adrian kept staring at Vivian. Vivian, who had originally planned to eat to her heart's content, now felt a little embarrassed.
"There are some clauses in the contract that we do not agree with. Silver Media has developed well in recent years, and with Evelyn joining, it will definitely enhance our company's success. So, there are too many attachments in the contract, which is something we cannot accept."
"We admire Miss Garcia's straightforward attitude. If there are any dissatisfactions, we need to discuss and find solutions. Adrian agrees as well now that we are getting to the point."
"Since we cannot make concessions, we request an increase in the equity." Vivian straightforwardly expressed her thoughts. Only when I have more equity can I have a say, and these unreasonable clauses will accordingly have less effect.
Adrian glanced at the lawyer and asked, "To what extent can you accept an increase?"
"What is the maximum range you can accept? After all, the conditions in the contract touch upon our bottom line. Since we are negotiating on equal and reasonable terms, it is unreasonable to only ask us to repeatedly concede. Adrian, don't you think this is fair?"
Adrian didn't expect the other party to be so eloquent. The key point was whether Evelyn would agree to the share transfer. Pushing too hard might backfire.
"Our company's bottom line for this equity transfer is 10%. This is our sincerity. Miss Bennett and Miss Garcia, are you satisfied?"
Evelyn, who had been silent all along, finally lifted her wine glass and said, "Pleasant cooperation."
Before leaving, Vivian stood at the door waiting for Evelyn. Adrian approached and said, "It seems we need to continue our discussion."
"Miss Garcia, are you waiting for the bus? Let me take you home," Adrian offered.
Vivian smiled awkwardly and replied, "Thank you, Adrian, but I'll wait for Evelyn."
Just as they were talking, Evelyn drove over in her car. Vivian said goodbye to Adrian and quickly got into the car. Evelyn had a suggestive smile on her face.
"To think you're seducing a handsome guy next to this beauty. You've had quite a streak of luck during your time abroad," Evelyn teased.
Vivian ignored her and complained about Evelyn's hasty agreement. "Why did you agree so quickly? They obviously weren't telling the truth, and there were financial issues involved. Those conditions should have been eliminated."
"It's just going with the flow. I was originally planning to bring some resources along, so there was no need for things to get so tense," Evelyn responded.
"Alright, you've made up your mind. What else can I say? But even if the conditions are not eliminated, it doesn't matter. I have a gift for you." Evelyn grinned and remained silent, testing Vivian's patience.
"You should have asked me," Vivian said.
"I didn't need to ask; you would have told me anyway. Why bother asking?" Evelyn replied.
"Forget it, forget it. I even used a friend to help you purchase 8% of the shares. You'll be the largest shareholder of Silver Media from now on, so the contract is just a formality. How about that?" Vivian explained.
"Not so great. It's such a big deal that people who don't know might think I made a lot of money," Vivian pouted.
"I guarantee you're secretly happy about it, despite your tough exterior," Vivian said, sticking out her tongue.
Evelyn looked at Vivian, who was still sulking in the passenger seat, and couldn't help but smile. Vivian was always so pure, not needing to understand the ways of the world too much, able to live as she is. And Evelyn could never do that.
In the following days, the two of them were busy once again. "Two movies with investments over a hundred million each and one artist. It's too difficult. I told you to reject them during the negotiations, but you didn't listen. You handle it yourself."
"Alright. Someone asked me if you would be willing to work in the legal department at Silver Media," Evelyn suddenly asked while they were having a meal.
"Adrian? I truly have endless charm. Another man succumbs to me, the discreet me can't handle it," Vivian exaggeratedly said.
"I don't know how charming you are, but you've always been too confident," Evelyn joked.
"Well, if you don't understand, then you don't understand. Being invincible is the way to go nowadays," Vivian hummed a few times.
"You're one of a kind, so blatantly obvious. Pack your things tonight, we're moving tomorrow. This place has already been sold."
"Sold? You're selling even these stocks. Evelyn, haven't you made any money in these years?"
"Of course, how could I compare to your invincibility?"
Evelyn had always believed that one of the main reasons she hadn't been completely crushed despite experiencing all the sadness in her past twenty-something years was because she had met a friend like Vivian. God was fair. If you were a worrier, then you would inevitably meet a carefree person.
Could a person as cold and aloof as her really meet...
Etienne received a report from Leo about the preparation and awaited further instructions. After considering, Etienne said, "Let's force them to act first and appropriately reveal the upcoming confrontation between the two sides." Etienne nodded when Leo asked if they should make it seem like they had no choice but to take action. "Holding the moral high ground always appears more noble," Etienne explained. Leo understood and mentioned that rumors were already spreading about the WTT Group and the Chevalier Group preparing to clash. Etienne saw an opportunity and advised Leo to publicly announce their intention to acquire the WTT Group or, even better, warn Menier that they would reveal the vulnerabilities in the WTT Group's financial chain if he didn't sell his shares. Leo agreed to carry out the instruction promptly.
Etienne was well aware that being born into this family meant he could never be a kind-hearted person. Deception and cunning were the only means of survival in this circle. Each person carried the burden of their family's success or failure, leaving no room for kindness and generosity.
He hoped to end all of this as soon as possible and find Evelyn to explain the misunderstandings. However, he feared that he would not know how to explain it properly. The setbacks he experienced recently made him feel uneasy, knowing that his hard work was on the verge of being in vain.
Menier, enraged by the recent turn of events, initially believed that his mistake would only result in temporary financial shortages for the company. Little did he expect that someone had already set their sights on the company's shares.
"What should we do?" his subordinate asked anxiously upon receiving the news.
"Etienne is too arrogant; there's no need to worry. Can he afford what he wants?" Menier sneered.
Etienne was convinced of Menier's blind confidence in his own abilities. This heir was truly the greatest tragedy for the WTT Group. No matter how powerful the WTT Group was, it was destined to fall under the control of such a person.
As Etienne had expected, Menier believed that even with a temporary shortage of funds, he could easily eliminate the Chevalier Group. He didn't realize that after years of confrontation, their opponent had been constantly growing stronger. It was no longer possible to determine who would emerge victorious in this new conflict.
As soon as Odile entered the room, she saw Etienne standing in front of the French windows, looking out. In that moment, she realized that the once young boy had grown and matured in this battle. She stood silently for a long time.
"Are you planning to keep staring at me without saying a word?" Etienne turned around.
"I just wanted to see if you would notice me. It's really boring," Odile huffed.
"Surely, you didn't come to see me just for that."
"Of course not. My father asked me to give this to you." She took out a document, and as Etienne reached out to take it, she dodged away. "Our family is willing to contribute half of our power, but there's one condition."
Etienne leaned against his desk, waiting to hear what condition Odile had in mind.
Looking up at Odile, "You speak."
"Marry me!" Odile raised her head proudly.